The UK is set to experience its first significant cold snap of the season this week, with temperatures potentially falling below minus 5C in some rural areas, according to the Met Office.
Icy winds and blustery showers are expected to arrive alongside tumbling temperatures in northern regions on Thursday and Friday, with sunny intervals and overnight frost anticipated elsewhere.
The most severe temperatures are expected to strike rural locations in the north-west and south of England, alongside southern Scotland, south-west and central Wales and the Midlands.
Coldest temperatures of the season so far
Met Office spokesman Paddy Manning said the next two days will likely deliver "some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far".
"(On) Thursday night, Friday night, certainly we're expecting some rather cold temperatures, especially in rural areas in the south, but (there) possibly could be some isolated overnight lows, maybe even a touch below minus 5C in the odd place," he said.
"It's not going to be super long-lasting," he added. "We expect things to turn a bit milder going into next week, but yeah, certainly the first pretty significant cold snap."
First cold health alert of winter issued
While any snow is expected to be confined to the hilltops of the Scottish Highlands, Mr Manning cautioned commuters may need to retrieve their ice scrapers to tackle early morning frost.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first cold health alert of the winter, with a yellow warning in force for north-west England and the West Midlands from 9am on Thursday to noon on Saturday. Other parts of England are currently unaffected.
Health chiefs warned that falling temperatures can trigger a surge in demand for health and care services, urging people to look in on loved ones and neighbours. Experts also cautioned that colder conditions can heighten risks for those aged over 65 and individuals with certain health conditions, including heart and lung complaints.
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season.
"Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable."
"We're also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather."
Forecasters anticipate the cold snap to persist into Saturday night before milder conditions return on Sunday and throughout the following week.
